93 Most Inspiring Sports Movies

Critics Consensus: Enthralling viewing even for audiences with little to no knowledge of or interest in sailing, Maiden pays powerful tribute to a true pioneer.

Directed By: Alex Holmes, James Erskine, Anna Godas, Oli Harbottle

Critics Consensus: Free Solo depicts athletic feats that many viewers will find beyond reason – and grounds the attempts in passions that are all but universal.

Directed By: Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi, Jimmy Chin, Walter F. Parkes, Laurie MacDonald

Critics Consensus: The King of Kong is funny and compelling with more than a few poignant insights into human behavior. Director Seth Gordon presents the dueling King Kong players in all their obsessive complexity and with perfectly al dente observations.

Directed By: Seth Gordon

Critics Consensus: Essential viewing for baseball fans and just as captivating for the uninitiated, Facing Nolan pays persuasive tribute to one of the sport’s greatest characters.

Directed By: Bradley Jackson, David Check, Reese Ryan, Reid Ryan

Starring: Bloom Li, Dexter Darden, Ben Wang, Zoe Renee

Directed By: Jingyi Shao, Pamela Thur

Critics Consensus: Creed brings the Rocky franchise off the mat for a surprisingly effective seventh round that extends the boxer’s saga in interesting new directions while staying true to its classic predecessors’ roots.

Starring: Michael B. Jordan, Sylvester Stallone, Tessa Thompson, Phylicia Rashad

Directed By: Ryan Coogler, Nicolas Stern

Critics Consensus: Hustle doesn’t have any fancy moves, but it doesn’t need them — Adam Sandler’s everyman charm makes this easy layup fun to watch.

Starring: Adam Sandler, Juancho Hernangomez, Queen Latifah, Ben Foster

Directed By: Jeremiah Zagar, Will Fetters, Spencer Beighley, Barry Bernardi

Critics Consensus: Much like the sport it celebrates, Fighting with My Family muscles past clichés with a potent blend of energy and committed acting that should leave audiences cheering.

Starring: Florence Pugh, Lena Headey, Nick Frost, Jack Lowden

Directed By: Stephen Merchant, Andy Berman, Hiram Garcia, Daniel Battsek

Critics Consensus: Sugar is an exceptionally-crafted film — part sports flick, part immigrant tale — with touching and poignant drama highlighted by splendid performances.

Starring: Algenis Perez Soto, Rayniel Rufino, André Holland, Michael Gaston

Directed By: Anna Boden, Ryan Fleck, Anna Boden

Critics Consensus: Equal measures inspiring, and enraging, this typical sports drama knows how to take a hit and dole them out with enough emotion and vigor to stoke The Fire Inside.

Starring: Ryan Destiny, Brian Tyree Henry, Olunike Adeliyi, De'Adre Aziza

Directed By: Rachel Morrison, Lyn Lucibello, Rachel Morrison, Claressa Shields

Critics Consensus: Even for filmgoers who aren’t racing fans, Senna offers heart-pounding thrills — and heartbreaking emotion.

Directed By: Asif Kapadia, Liza Chasin, Debra Hayward, Kevin Macdonald

Critics Consensus: This story of a down-on-his-luck boxer is thoroughly predictable, but Sylvester Stallone’s script and stunning performance in the title role brush aside complaints.

Starring: Sylvester Stallone, Talia Shire, Burgess Meredith, Burt Young

Directed By: John G. Avildsen, Gene Kirkwood

Critics Consensus: Ford v Ferrari delivers all the polished auto action audiences will expect — and balances it with enough gripping human drama to satisfy non-racing enthusiasts.

Starring: Matt Damon, Christian Bale, Jon Bernthal, Caitriona Balfe

Directed By: James Mangold, Kevin Halloran, Dani Bernfeld, Michael Mann

Critics Consensus: Better than your average football pic, Damned United is carried by another star turn from Michael Sheen as Brian Clough.

Starring: Michael Sheen, Timothy Spall, Jim Broadbent, Stephen Graham

Directed By: Tom Hooper, Hugo Heppell, Christine Langan

Critics Consensus: In addition to offering an enlightening early look into the world of future star/politician Arnold Schwarzenegger, Pumping Iron provides a witty and insightful overview of competitive bodybuilding.

Directed By: George Butler, Robert Fiore

Critics Consensus: King Richard transcends sport biopic formulas with refreshingly nuanced storytelling — and a towering performance from Will Smith in the title role.

Starring: Will Smith, Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, Jon Bernthal, Saniyya Sidney

Directed By: Reinaldo Marcus Green, Isha Price, Serena Williams, Venus Williams

Critics Consensus: The Bad News Bears is rude, profane, and cynical, but shot through with honest, unforced humor, and held together by a deft, understated performance from Walter Matthau.

Starring: Walter Matthau, Tatum O'Neal, Vic Morrow, Joyce Van Patten

Directed By: Michael Ritchie

Critics Consensus: It may adhere to the sports underdog formula, but Hoosiers has been made with such loving craft, and features such excellent performances, that it’s hard to resist.

Starring: Gene Hackman, Barbara Hershey, Dennis Hopper, Sheb Wooley

Directed By: David Anspaugh, John Daly, Derek Gibson

Critics Consensus: A sleek, slick, well-oiled machine, Rush is a finely crafted sports drama with exhilarating race sequences and strong performances from Chris Hemsworth and Daniel Brühl.

Starring: Chris Hemsworth, Daniel Brühl, Olivia Wilde, Alexandra Maria Lara

Directed By: Ron Howard, Guy East, Nigel Sinclair, Tobin Armbrust

Critics Consensus: The plot is utterly ridiculous, and the soccer in the movie is unlike any ever played anywhere on Earth, but watching Shaolin Soccer, you will probably find it impossible to care.

Starring: Stephen Chow, Wei Zhao, Yin Tse, Cecilia Cheung

Directed By: Stephen Chow, Lee Lik-Chi, Stephen Chow, Daniel Lam

Critics Consensus: Gripping visually as well as narratively, Meru is the rare documentary that proves thought-provoking while offering thrilling wide-screen vistas.

Directed By: Jimmy Chin, Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi

Critics Consensus: The Beautiful Game has an undeniable warmth that further elevates an already irresistible true story, helping this inspirational drama score despite a reliance on well-worn clichés.

Starring: Bill Nighy, Susan Wokoma, Callum Scott Howells, Kit Young

Directed By: Thea Sharrock, Daniel Battsek, Claudine Farrell, Lorenzo Gangarossa

Directed By: Marius A. Markevicius

Critics Consensus: Michelle Rodriguez gives a compelling performance, despite lack of a boxing background; Karyn Kusama packs a punch with this directorial debut.

Starring: Michelle Rodriguez, Jaime Tirelli, Paul Calderone, Santiago Douglas

Directed By: Karyn Kusama, Caroline Kaplan, John Sayles, Jonathan Sehring

Critics Consensus: While made from overly familiar ingredients, Drew Barrymore’s directorial debut has enough charm, energy, and good-natured humor to transcend its many cliches.

Starring: Elliot Page, Marcia Gay Harden, Kristen Wiig, Drew Barrymore

Directed By: Drew Barrymore, Peter Douglas, Nancy Juvonen, Kirsten Smith

Critics Consensus: Confident directing and acting deliver an insightful look at young athletes.

Starring: Sanaa Lathan, Omar Epps, Alfre Woodard, Dennis Haysbert

Directed By: Gina Prince-Bythewood, Andrew Z. Davis, Cynthia Guidry, Jay Stern

Critics Consensus: Buoyed by standout performances from James Caan and Billy Dee Williams, Brian’s Song is a touching tale of friendship whose central relationship transcends its standard sports movie moments.

Starring: James Caan, Billy Dee Williams, Jack Warden, Shelley Fabares

Directed By: Buzz Kulik

Starring: Nas

Directed By: Benjamin Turner, Gabe Turner, Matt Kaye, Simon Oliviera

Critics Consensus: Nyad is an uplifting sports biopic strictly on the merits of its story, but it’s the outstanding performances from Annette Bening and Jodie Foster that really keep this picture afloat.

Starring: Annette Bening, Jodie Foster, Rhys Ifans, Garland Scott

Directed By: Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi, Jimmy Chin, Julia Cox, Michael Heimler

Critics Consensus: Inspiring, compassionate, and with a sly undercurrent of social commentary, Bend It Like Beckham is a lively feel-good movie that genuinely charms.

Starring: Parminder Nagra, Keira Knightley, Anupam Kher, Archie Panjabi

Directed By: Gurinder Chadha, Ulrich Felsberg, Simon Franks, Zygi Kamasa

Critics Consensus: The Way Back‘s occasionally frustrating treatment of a formulaic story is often outweighed by Ben Affleck’s outstanding work in the central role.

Starring: Ben Affleck, Al Madrigal, Janina Gavankar, Jeremy Radin

Directed By: Gavin O'Connor, Robert J. Dohrmann, Brad Ingelsby, Kevin McCormick

Critics Consensus: Warrior relies on many of the clichés that critics of the genre love to mock — and it transcends them with gripping action, powerful acting, and heart.

Starring: Joel Edgerton, Tom Hardy, Nick Nolte, Jennifer Morrison

Directed By: Gavin O'Connor, Michael Paseornek, Lisa Ellzey, David Mimran

Critics Consensus: A heart-warming sports flick, The Rookie greatly benefits from understated direction and the emotional honesty Dennis Quaid brings to the role of Jim Morris.

Starring: Dennis Quaid, Rachel Griffiths, Jay Hernandez, Beth Grant

Directed By: John Lee Hancock, Philip Steuer

Critics Consensus: Decidedly slower and less limber than the Olympic runners at the center of its story, Chariots of Fire nevertheless makes effectively stirring use of its spiritual and patriotic themes.

Starring: Ben Cross, Ian Charleson, John Gielgud, Nigel Havers

Directed By: Hugh Hudson, Dodi Fayed, Jake Eberts

Critics Consensus: Though heavy with sentiment, The Natural is an irresistible classic, and a sincere testament to America’s national pastime.

Starring: Robert Redford, Robert Duvall, Glenn Close, Kim Basinger

Directed By: Barry Levinson, Philip M. Breen, Roger Towne

Critics Consensus: Major League may be predictable and formulaic, but buoyed by the script’s light, silly humor — not to mention the well-built sports action sequences and funny performances.

Starring: Tom Berenger, Charlie Sheen, Corbin Bernsen, Margaret Whitton

Directed By: David S. Ward, Mark Rosenberg

Critics Consensus: Driven by Brad Pitt’s laidback magnetism and sporting a souped-up engine courtesy of Joseph Kosinski’s kinetic direction, F1 The Movie brings vintage cool across the finish line.

Starring: Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, Javier Bardem, Kerry Condon

Directed By: Joseph Kosinski, Daniel Lupi

Critics Consensus: Eddie the Eagle‘s amiable sweetness can’t disguise its story’s many inspirational clichés — but for many viewers, it will be more than enough to make up for them.

Starring: Taron Egerton, Hugh Jackman, Jo Hartley, Tom Costello

Directed By: Dexter Fletcher, Zygi Kamasa, Pierre Lagrange

Critics Consensus: An acute survey of the football-obsessed heartland that succeeds as both a stirring drama and a rousing sports movie.

Starring: Billy Bob Thornton, Derek Luke, Jay Hernandez, Lucas Black

Directed By: Peter Berg, Brian Grazer, John Cameron, James Whitaker

Critics Consensus: Sentimental and light, but still thoroughly charming, A League of Their Own is buoyed by solid performances from a wonderful cast.

Starring: Tom Hanks, Geena Davis, Madonna, Lori Petty

Directed By: Penny Marshall, Penny Marshall

Critics Consensus: Though not without its flaws, He Got Game finds Spike Lee near the top of his game, combining trenchant commentary with his signature visuals and a strong performance from Denzel Washington.

Starring: Denzel Washington, Ray Allen, Milla Jovovich, Rosario Dawson

Directed By: Spike Lee

Critics Consensus: Downhill Racer plunges the viewer thrillingly into the action of the sport — and continues to hold the attention as a thoughtful drama.

Starring: Robert Redford, Gene Hackman, Camilla Sparv, Karl Michael Vogler

Directed By: Michael Ritchie

Critics Consensus: 42 is an earnest, inspirational, and respectfully told biography of an influential American sports icon, though it might be a little too safe and old-fashioned for some.

Starring: Chadwick Boseman, Harrison Ford, Nicole Beharie, Christopher Meloni

Directed By: Brian Helgeland, Dick Cook, Jon Jashni, Jason Clark

Critics Consensus: Goon is a crude slapstick comedy with well-formed characters and a surprising amount of heart.

Starring: Seann William Scott, Jay Baruchel, Alison Pill, Marc-André Grondin

Directed By: Michael Dowse, Jesse Shapira, Mark Slone

Critics Consensus: Utterly predictable and wholly of its time, but warm, sincere, and difficult to resist, due in large part to Pat Morita and Ralph Macchio’s relaxed chemistry.

Starring: Ralph Macchio, Pat Morita, Elisabeth Shue, Randee Heller

Directed By: John G. Avildsen, R.J. Louis

Critics Consensus: With grittiness and an evocative sense of time and place, Cinderella Man is a powerful underdog story. And Ron Howard and Russell Crowe prove to be a solid combination.

Starring: Russell Crowe, Renée Zellweger, Paul Giamatti, Craig Bierko

Directed By: Ron Howard

Critics Consensus: Kurt Russell’s performance guides this cliche-ridden tale into the realm of inspirational, nostalgic goodness.

Starring: Kurt Russell, Patricia Clarkson, Noah Emmerich, Sean McCann

Directed By: Gavin O'Connor, Justis Greene, Ross Greenburg

Critics Consensus: Though undeniably sentimental and predictable, Rudy succeeds with an uplifting spirit and determination.

Starring: Sean Astin, Ned Beatty, Charles S. Dutton, Robert Prosky

Directed By: David Anspaugh, Lee R. Mayes

Critics Consensus: This drama about American track star and hero Steve Prefontaine intelligently looks at the character of this oft mythologized athlete and features a fantastic performance by Donald Sutherland as Prefontaine’s trainer.

Starring: Billy Crudup, Donald Sutherland, Monica Potter, Jeremy Sisto

Directed By: Robert Towne, Kenny Moore, Jonathan Sanger

Critics Consensus: A life-affirming, if saccharine, epic treatment of a spirit-lifting figure in sports history.

Starring: Tobey Maguire, Jeff Bridges, Chris Cooper, Elizabeth Banks

Directed By: Gary Ross, Gary Barber, Roger Birnbaum, Allison Thomas

Critics Consensus: Delivered with typically stately precision by director Clint Eastwood, Invictus may not be rousing enough for some viewers, but Matt Damon and Morgan Freeman inhabit their real-life characters with admirable conviction.

Starring: Morgan Freeman, Matt Damon, Tony Kgoroge, Patrick Mofokeng

Directed By: Clint Eastwood, Morgan Freeman, Tim Moore, Gary Barber

Critics Consensus: American Underdog sticks to the standard inspirational sports drama playbook — and proves once again that it can be very effective in the right hands.

Starring: Zachary Levi, Anna Paquin, Dennis Quaid, Ser'Darius Blain

Directed By: Andrew Erwin, Jon Erwin, Kurt Warner, Brenda Warner

Critics Consensus: Cool Runnings rises above its formulaic sports-movie themes with charming performances, light humor, and uplifting tone.

Starring: Leon, Doug E. Doug, Malik Yoba, John Candy

Directed By: Jon Turteltaub, Christopher Meledandri, Susan B. Landau

Critics Consensus: Mariel Hemingway has a career-making star turn in this highly physical drama about two Olympic athletes who find each other during competitive training.

Starring: Mariel Hemingway, Patrice Donnelly, Scott Glenn, Kenny Moore

Directed By: Robert Towne

Critics Consensus: An inspirational crowd-pleaser with a healthy dose of social commentary, Remember the Titans may be predictable, but it’s also well-crafted and features terrific performances.

Starring: Denzel Washington, Will Patton, Donald Faison, Wood Harris

Directed By: Boaz Yakin, Mike Stenson, Michael Flynn

Critics Consensus: Dwayne Johnson goes the distance with his transformative turn as Mark Kerr in The Smashing Machine, a gritty biopic that sidesteps cliché even at the expense of narrative satisfaction while still landing the dramatic body blows that count.

Starring: Dwayne Johnson, Emily Blunt, Ryan Bader, Oleksandr Usyk

Directed By: Benny Safdie, Tracey Landon

Critics Consensus: Thanks to the spirited performances of a talented cast – particularly Will Ferrell and Jon Heder as rivals-turned-teammates — Blades of Glory successfully spoofs inspirational sports dramas with inspired abandon.

Starring: Will Ferrell, Jon Heder, Will Arnett, Amy Poehler

Directed By: Will Speck, Josh Gordon, Marty P. Ewing

Starring: Sylvester Stallone, Michael Caine, Pelé, Bobby Moore

Directed By: John Huston, Gordon McLendon

Critics Consensus: Mamet’s mixed marital arts morality play weaves between action and intellect but doesn’t always hit its target.

Starring: Chiwetel Ejiofor, Tim Allen, Emily Mortimer, Ricky Jay

Directed By: David Mamet

Critics Consensus: It might strike some viewers as a little too pat, but The Blind Side has the benefit of strong source material and a strong performance from Sandra Bullock.

Starring: Sandra Bullock, Tim McGraw, Quinton Aaron, Jae Head

Directed By: John Lee Hancock, Molly Smith, Erwin Stoff, Timothy M. Bourne

Critics Consensus: While Christy falters in tonal cohesion and emotional impact, it remains a compelling showcase for Sydney Sweeney’s transformative performance, grounding a mythic genre in raw, personal storytelling.

Starring: Sydney Sweeney, Ben Foster, Jess Gabor, Merritt Wever

Directed By: David Michôd, Mirrah Foulkes, John Friedberg, Andrew Golov

Critics Consensus: It may be shamelessly derivative and overly nostalgic, but The Sandlot is nevertheless a genuinely sweet and funny coming-of-age adventure.

Starring: Tom Guiry, Mike Vitar, Patrick Renna, Chauncey Leopardi

Directed By: David M. Evans, Mark Burg, Cathleen Summers, Chris Zarpas

Critics Consensus: Those who enjoy Adam Sandler’s schtick will find plenty to love in this gleefully juvenile take on professional golf; those who don’t, however, will find it unfunny and forgettable.

Starring: Adam Sandler, Christopher McDonald, Julie Bowen, Frances Bay

Directed By: Dennis Dugan, Bernie Brillstein, Brad Grey, Sandy Wernick

Critics Consensus: Gran Turismo‘s brisk action and feel-good underdog drama are undermined by its loose telling of the fact-based story, but this is still a generally solid racing movie.

Starring: David Harbour, Orlando Bloom, Archie Madekwe, Darren Barnet

Directed By: Neill Blomkamp, Matthew Hirsch, Jason Hall, Kazunori Yamauchi

Critics Consensus: Despite the formulaic, fluffy storyline, this movie is surprisingly fun to watch, mostly due to its high energy and how it humorously spoofs cheerleading instead of taking itself too seriously.

Starring: Kirsten Dunst, Eliza Dushku, Jesse Bradford, Gabrielle Union

Directed By: Peyton Reed, Armyan Bernstein, Paddy Cullen, Caitlin Scanlon

Critics Consensus: Race is nowhere near as thrillingly fleet or agile as its subject, but the story — and a winning central performance from Stephan James — are enough to carry it over the finish line.

Starring: Stephan James, Jason Sudeikis, Eli Goree, Shanice Banton

Directed By: Stephen Hopkins, Patrick Teng, Paul Teng, Jonathan Bronfman

Critics Consensus: Even though it’s based on a true story, Coach Carter is pretty formulaic stuff, but it’s effective and energetic, thanks to a strong central performance from Samuel L. Jackson.

Starring: Samuel L. Jackson, Robert Ri'chard, Rob Brown, Ashanti

Directed By: Thomas Carter, Thomas Carter

Critics Consensus: Despite all the underdog sports movie conventions, the likable cast and lush production values make The Greatest Game Ever Played a solid and uplifting tale.

Starring: Shia LaBeouf, Stephen Dillane, Josh Flitter, Peyton List

Directed By: Bill Paxton

Critics Consensus: Gracie can be rousing and touching in spots, but is ultimately undone by its predictable story arc and a lack of nuance.

Starring: Dermot Mulroney, Elisabeth Shue, Carly Schroeder, Andrew Shue

Directed By: Davis Guggenheim, Dustin Cohn, Tom Fox, Cindy Alston

Critics Consensus: With Adam Sandler and company clearly having a good time, Happy Gilmore 2 thwacks hard with nostalgia when it should’ve putted but will still put fans of the original back in their happy place.

Starring: Adam Sandler, Julie Bowen, Christopher McDonald, Ben Stiller

Directed By: Kyle Newacheck, David Bausch, Barry Bernardi, Dennis Dugan

Critics Consensus: All the Right Moves is an uncommonly grim coming-of-age drama that overcomes numerous clichés with its realistic approach to its characters and setting.

Starring: Tom Cruise, Craig T. Nelson, Lea Thompson, Charles Cioffi

Directed By: Michael Chapman, Gary Morton

Critics Consensus: Although its apparent attempts to be uplifting can often come across as patronizing, Champions is an amiable enough comedy with some seriously talented stars.

Starring: Woody Harrelson, Kaitlin Olson, Ernie Hudson, Cheech Marin

Directed By: Robert Farrelly, Brad Kessell, Woody Harrelson, Alexander Jooss

Critics Consensus: Part contrived romance, part hackneyed sports drama, The Cutting Edge shows how difficult it can be to figure skate through cheese.

Starring: D.B. Sweeney, Moira Kelly, Roy Dotrice, Terry O'Quinn

Directed By: Paul Michael Glaser

Critics Consensus: Leaning heavily on the nostalgic appeal of Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio’s return to the Karate Kid franchise, Legends could be more disciplined with its technique but still lands some crowd pleasing strikes.

Starring: Ralph Macchio, Jackie Chan, Ben Wang, Joshua Jackson

Directed By: Jonathan Entwistle, Jenny Hinkey, Ralph Macchio

Critics Consensus: The Boys in the Boat tells its inspirational true story with heart and solid craftsmanship, but director George Clooney’s stolidly traditional approach prevents it from leaving much of an impact.

Starring: Joel Edgerton, Chris Diamantopoulos, Callum Turner, Jack Mulhern

Directed By: George Clooney, Kevin Ulrich, Barbara A. Hall, Gary Barber

Critics Consensus: Lords of Dogtown, while slickly made and edited, lacks the depth and entertaining value of the far superior documentary on the same subject, Dogtown and Z-Boys.

Starring: Emile Hirsch, Victor Rasuk, John Robinson, Michael Angarano

Directed By: Catherine Hardwicke, David Fincher, Art Linson

Starring: Jared Leto, R. Lee Ermey, Ed O'Neill, Amy Locane

Directed By: Steve James

Critics Consensus: Although Shooting Stars isn’t without its engaging moments, this dramatized look back at LeBron James’ early years is less entertaining than simply watching him play.

Starring: Wood Harris, Marquis Mookie Cook, Caleb McLaughlin, Natalie Paul

Directed By: Chris Robinson, Gretel Twombly

Critics Consensus: Unbroken is undoubtedly well-intentioned, but it hits a few too many of the expected prestige-pic beats to register as strongly as it should.

Starring: Jack O'Connell, Domhnall Gleeson, Garrett Hedlund, Miyavi

Directed By: Angelina Jolie, Mick Garris, Thomas Tull, Jon Jashni

Starring: Shawananness Gebrselassie, Yonas Zergaw, Tedesse Haile

Directed By: Bud Greenspan, Leslie Woodhead, Wallace Wolf

Critics Consensus: Pride features a typically stellar performance from Terrence Howard, but ultimately falls victim to its over usage of sports movie clichés.

Starring: Terrence Howard, Bernie Mac, Kevin Phillips, Evan Ross

Directed By: Sunu Gonera, Michael Paseornek, John Sacchi, Malcolm Petal

Critics Consensus: Next Goal Wins finds director/co-writer Taika Waititi with his heart in the right place, even if his crowd-pleasing aim has noticeably strayed from its target.

Starring: Michael Fassbender, Oscar Kightley, Kaimana, David Fane

Directed By: Taika Waititi, Andy Serkis, Will Tennant, Kathryn Dean

Critics Consensus: While it’s no slam dunk, Space Jam‘s silly, Looney Toons-laden slapstick and vivid animation will leave younger viewers satisfied — though accompanying adults may be more annoyed than entertained.

Starring: Wayne Knight, Theresa Randle, Danny DeVito, Billy West

Directed By: Joe Pytka, David Falk, Ken Ross

Critics Consensus: Though Michael J. Fox is as charismatic as ever, Teen Wolf‘s coming-of-age themes can’t help but feel a little stale and formulaic.

Starring: Michael J. Fox, James Hampton, Scott Paulin, Susan Ursitti

Directed By: Rod Daniel, Thomas Coleman, Michael Rosenblatt

Critics Consensus: The role of probation officer Sean Porter fits Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson like a glove; however, the execution is so cliched, the youths’ stories (based on real events), fail to inspire.

Starring: Dwayne Johnson, Xzibit, Jade Yorker, Vanessa Ferlito

Directed By: Phil Joanou, Shane Stanley, Michael I. Rachmil, Ryan Kavanaugh

Critics Consensus: Although Hardball contains some touching moments, they are not enough to transcend the sports formula.

Starring: Keanu Reeves, Diane Lane, John Hawkes, Bryan Hearne

Directed By: Brian Robbins, Herb Gains, Erwin Stoff, Kevin McCormick

Critics Consensus: Big George Foreman had a classic sports story to work with; unfortunately, the sluggishly ordinary way it’s told here is more Tomato Can than Heavyweight Champion.

Starring: Khris Davis, Forest Whitaker, Jasmine Mathews, Sullivan Jones

Directed By: George Tillman Jr., George Foreman, Peter Guber, Wendy Williams

Critics Consensus: Enthusiastically unpleasant and mostly unfunny, The Bronze fails to stick the landing — or much else along the way.

Starring: Melissa Rauch, Gary Cole, Haley Lu Richardson, Thomas Middleditch

Directed By: Bryan Buckley, Jay Duplass, Mark Duplass, Bryan Buckley

Critics Consensus: The story is heavy on syrupy uplift and turns Radio into a saint/cuddly pet.

Starring: Cuba Gooding Jr., Ed Harris, Alfre Woodard, S. Epatha Merkerson

Directed By: Michael Tollin, Todd Garner, Caitlin Scanlon

Critics Consensus: Director Jessica Bendinger is unable to transfer her winning Bring It On formula to the world of gymnastics, despite Missy Peregrym’s strong lead performance.

Starring: Jeff Bridges, Missy Peregrym, Vanessa Lengies, John Patrick Amedori

Directed By: Jessica Bendinger, David Crockett, Louanne Brickhouse, Kristin Burr

Critics Consensus: Though not without its pleasures, Never Back Down faithfully adheres to every imaginable fight movie cliché.

Starring: Djimon Hounsou, Sean Faris, Amber Heard, Cam Gigandet

Directed By: Jeff Wadlow

Critics Consensus: The tropes of both football and evangelical movies are gracelessly on parade in this banal, insipid drama.

Starring: Alex Kendrick, Shannen Fields, Steve Williams, Bailey Cave

Directed By: Alex Kendrick, Michael Catt, Terry Hemmings, Jim McBride

Starring: Anna Geislerová, Eva Josefikova, Roman Luknár, Judit Bárdos

Directed By: Andrea Sedlácková

Starring: Tatum O'Neal, Christopher Plummer, Anthony Hopkins, Nanette Newman

Directed By: Bryan Forbes

Starring: Burt Lancaster, Charles Bickford, Steve Cochran, Phyllis Thaxter

Directed By: Michael Curtiz

Starring: Leslie Weiner, Johann Carlo, Joe Bennett, Carrie Snodgress

Directed By: Alan Cooke

Starring: Matt Smith, Sam Hoare, James Frain, Douglas Hodge

Directed By: David Blair